Duck shot in head in 'horrifying attack'

The duck has a large wound that needs treating but has yet to be caught, the RSPCA said

A duck has been shot in the head with an airgun in a "horrifying attack".

The bird survived the shooting in Stoke-on-Trent but is yet to be caught for its wound to be treated, said the RSPCA.

The attack on the Caldon Canal, in Hanley Park, took place on 2 April, and several people witnessed it, the charity said in an appeal for more information.

The duck is being closely monitored, but has a wound to the right side of his face which looks "large and swollen."

The RSPCA is trying to work out how to catch the duck so its injuries can be treated

"We have made several attempts to catch the duck to give him some treatment for the wound, but sadly we’ve had no luck at this time so we are looking to explore other ways to catch him," said Sophie Taylor from the RSPCA.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all wild birds are protected, and it is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or take one, except under licence, said the charity.

But it said unfortunately attacks on wildlife are not uncommon, simply because they are out in the open with no-one to protect them.

Anybody who saw the shooting has been urged to call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018.